The move to the United Arab Emirates requires careful planning; one of the things that should be included in the checklist is the purchase or renewal of a UAE driving license. Individuals with a valid license in a different jurisdiction can also use a translated foreign document to renew or convert such license, subject to the fulfillment of the required conditions by the Emirates. However, the flow of steps, the importance of certified translations, and governmental bodies may seem overwhelming without helpful instructions.
This blog provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to renew a UAE driving license through the use of a translated foreign license. Whether one has just moved or the existing license in the UAE is expired and the owner is willing to renew it based on a valid license in another country, the following steps explain all the aspects of the process.
Provided the foreign license satisfies the requirements to be exchanged, the renewal procedure is more or less the same as that of a regular UAE license. The applicant should fill in and present an application form given by the Traffic and Licensing Authority, present the existing license, and give a passport-size photograph. The transaction is charged a fee and the renewal period is normally two years.
Renewal through an Agency
Other applicants would like to hire licensed agencies to guide them through the renewal process. Such agencies usually help to fill the required documents, make appointments with the relevant authorities and in case of required certified translations, coordinate the same. The costs of using such agencies are normally more expensive than a self-managed application but they may provide convenience and peace of mind.
Conversely, those whose licences are printed in other languages (other than English or Arabic) and those whose old Emirati driving licences have expired, are required to provide a certified translation of their original licences, which must first be independently verified. The translated document should give a perfect copy of the source document, and it should contain all the necessary information, and it should use the language that is linguistically and culturally acceptable. Any inconsistency or lack of information can lead to administrative delays or eventually the rejection of the application by Emirati authorities.
Renewal Process Step by Step
Those who want to renew their driving licence through a translated document should go through the following procedure:
- Verify Eligibility
Make sure that the country of origin is included in the list of jurisdictions whose driving licences can be swapped or used in the renewal procedure. The information of interest may be acquired through the official websites of the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) in Dubai, or, in other Emirates, of the MOI (Ministry of Interior).
- Get a Certified Translation
Once the eligibility is confirmed, obtain a translation of an approved legal translator of the MOJ (Ministry of Justice) in the United Arab Emirates. All the necessary parts of the document should be translated correctly.
- Issue and expiry date
- License number
- Category of vehicle or class
- Issuing authority
Once done, the official stamp and signature of the licensed translation provider should be attached to the translated document. Attestation is also provided by some translation agencies, and it is sometimes mandatory in some Emirates.
- Gather the Needed Papers
Together with the translated license, provide all the other necessary documents, which usually include:
- Valid Emirates ID (copy and original)
- Copy of passport with a residence visa page
- Eye-test results (by an RTA approved optician)
- Passport sized photos
- Original foreign driving license
- Foreign license translated (certified)
Depending on the type of visa, some Emirates may also require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by your sponsor or employer.
- Take an Eye Test
Eye test is a mandatory part of any driving-license application or renewal in the UAE. Get this test done at an optician or clinic approved by the RTA or the concerned authority. The results are uploaded into the system by the clinic hence simplifying the process.
- Hand over Documents to RTA or MOI
Submit all the documents in a local RTA service centre, or use online services like RTA app or web site to make your application. Submit the required renewal fee and wait until the documents and translation are checked.
Most of the time, when the documentation is correct, the renewed driving license is given instantly or within a few working days.
- Get Your Refreshed UAE License
When it is approved, you will be given your renewed UAE driving license. In Dubai, an expatriate license is usually valid within a period of five years. Check to see whether your Emirates ID and visa period affect the license expiry date.
Even though the process might seem simple, a couple of practical steps can streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of delays or rejections.
Hire a well-known translation agency that is well aware of both linguistic and bureaucratic specifics. Misinterpretation of categories or terms that govern the licence may arise because of an incorrect translation. It is also important to time the renewal well. In case a foreign licence is about to expire or has already expired, it ceases to be considered valid to renew or exchange it even with translation.
Conclusion
It is possible to renew an existing UAE driving licence using a translated foreign licence confidently and easily by ensuring that the eligibility requirements are met, a certified and accurate translation of the foreign licence is submitted, and that procedural regulations of the UAE transport authorities are strictly followed. These actions reaffirm the country to road safety and uniformity in operations and ease the smooth integration of expatriates into Emirati society and mobility.
